Structure of the Integumentary System

The epidermis is made of elastic and fibrous connective tissue.

Papillae help form fingerprints and footprints.

Nails are made of dead, keratinized epidermal epithelial cells packed closely together.

Cells of the stratum corneum are constantly shed and replaced by new cells from the stratum germinativum.

Sudoriferous glands usually open into a hair follicle.

Oil glands keep the skin and hair from becoming dry and brittle.

Alopecia is a permanent loss of hair on the scalp.

Sebum is an antibacterial and antifungal secretion that helps prevent infections on the skin.

On an average adult, the skin covers more than 3,000 square inches of surface area and accounts for about 5 percent of total body weight.

Sweat has an odor because of the body wastes it contains.